(WRGB) — Governor Hochul has announced the certification of 13 new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics across New York, fulfilling her pledge to triple the number of such facilities statewide. These clinics, administered by the state Office of Mental Health in partnership with the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, provide integrated, person-centered, and trauma-informed care for New Yorkers experiencing behavioral health issues, regardless of their ability to pay.

Governor Hochul said,

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics help New Yorkers access a full array of treatment options to address their needs and connect with specialized care. By tripling these clinics statewide, we are reducing unnecessary hospital visits, fostering relationships among community healthcare providers, and eliminating gaps in our system of care.

According to the release, the expansion brings the total number of clinics to 39, collectively serving an estimated 187,000 individuals annually. The state Office of Mental Health provided $265,000 in start-up funding for each of the new clinics, which received federal certification in July. The clinics are located in various regions includes:

  • Thrive Wellness and Recovery in the North Country
  • The Child Center of NY in Queens
  • Pesach Tikvah in Brooklyn
  • Metropolitan Center for Mental Health in New York
  • Jewish Board in Staten Island
  • Risewell Community Services on Long Island
  • Horizon Health Services in Western New York
  • Family Counseling Center of Fulton County, Inc. in the Mohawk Valley
  • CASA Trinity in the Southern Tier
  • Family Counseling Services of Cortland in Central New York
  • Finger Lakes Counseling & Recovery Agency in the Finger Lakes
  • Access Supports for Living in Mid-Hudson
  • Family and Children’s Association on Long Island

Dr. Ann Sullivan, New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner, emphasized the importance of integrated care, stating,

Integrated care is a crucial component in our efforts to expand access to mental health treatment statewide. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics provide a single access point where New Yorkers can access a full array of services in one place. By tripling these clinics statewide, Governor Hochul is fulfilling her commitment to ensure all New Yorkers have access to quality mental health care.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand access to mental health and substance use disorder services across the state. The clinics offer a range of services, including screening and assessments, outpatient mental health and substance use services, 24-hour mobile crisis teams, and more.

Senator Charles Schumer praised the expansion, saying,

These new behavioral health clinics will ensure more New Yorkers from Western New York to the Hudson Valley can access the mental health resources and specialized care they need.

The expansion is part of Gov. Hochul’s $1 billion plan to enhance mental health care access, reduce wait times, and ensure appropriate levels of care for all New Yorkers living with mental illness.